A History of Advertising from the Earliest Times.Sampson, Henry
History
A History of Advertising from the Earliest Times.
Sampson, Henry
Advertising -- History
Benevolence must have been very strongly developed in any one who
acceded to the requests of A. Z. But that there was a deal of that
commodity afloat at the time of which we are writing, our next specimen,
one of disinterestedness and charity, shows. It is from the _Gazetteer_
of November 29, 1773:--
A LADY of strict Honour and Benevolence, who lives in a genteel sphere
of Life, influenced by a variety of critical Circumstances, offers her
Service as an Advocate to Persons under the most intricate
Circumstances, especially to those of her own Sex, whose Troubles she
can with a secret Sympathy share, and who will point out certain Means
of alleviating their Distress. The Advertiser has a Genteel House to
accommodate such Persons, while their Affairs are settled. The
greatest Delicacy, Discretion, and most Inviolable Secrecy may be
depended on. Therefore to prevent being made the sport of Curiosity,
the Advertiser is determined to answer such Letters only that appear
explicit and satisfactory, with the Principal’s Name and Place of
Abode. Please to address a line (post paid) for Mrs Gladen, at No. 5
Church Row, Aldgate Church, Whitechapel.
Especially those of her own sex. It would be hard to discover what any
one of an opposite gender could want as resident with this nice old
lady, unless indeed he wished to put in practice the advice given to
Nicodemus. But, as for money this benevolent beldame would have done
anything, there is little doubt she had plenty of visitors of both
sexes. It does not do, however, to be too hard on Mrs Gladen, when it is
considered that she has many highly successful and extremely respectable
representatives of the present day. We therefore pass on to the latter
part of 1774, when it is evident, from a perusal of the advertisements
alone, that a general election is impending. In September we find this
in the _Morning Post_:--
A GENTLEMAN of Character and considerable Fortune is extremely
desirous of a HIGH HONOUR at an approaching Period. Any one who can
assist him, or point out an eligible means of succeeding, shall be
amply recompensed both at present and in future.--In short, name your
Terms; secrecy is all required on his part. A Line to Mr Dormer, at
No. 24 Ludgate Hill, will be attended to.
The _Morning Post_ seems to have been a particular medium for the
process by which legislators were made in the “good old days”--good
enough for the rich and unscrupulous, of course--for very shortly
afterwards many of the same kind appear. The following stipulates the
amount, and with true unselfishness recommends the candidate:--
A GENTLEMAN of Honour, Character, and Fortune, who has £1,500 at his
Bankers’, has some desire to obtain a Seat. A connection with him will
do no discredit to any Man of Rank, or Body of Men. As he is serious,
he expects no Application but from such as are so, to Q. at New
Lloyd’s Coffee-house, Cornhill.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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